Further consolidation in number of English pig abattoirs

There has been a long-term decline in the number of abattoirs in England slaughterings pigs, with the number in 2017 the lowest for at least 17 years.

Latest figures record that 112 slaughterhouses killed pigs in 2017, six fewer than in 2016 and 28 fewer than in 2007. Consolidation in the industry continued, with 11 slaughterhouses accounting for 90% of all pigs slaughtered, with each killing more than 100,000 head. Of these, eight abattoirs killed over 80% of all pigs, over 500,000 head during the year.

The number of specialist pig abattoirs increased by one, to 15. Nine of the 11 largest abattoirs, in terms of numbers killed, were specialist ones. Almost three quarters of all pigs killed are at specialist pig abattoirs.